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Wilco — 4 July 2016, Ferrara, Italy (Piazza Castello)


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Looks like there hasn't been too much reportage from this side of the Atlantic lately, or maybe it's just all migrated to other social media these days, but at any rate, I'm back on the case for the rest of the week. I was still a little jet lagged last night, so I couldn't quite muster up the energy to put together a recap after the show in Ferrara (and then I had to navigate getting to Rome, where I am now and where the band will play again later this evening). So anyway, once again, don't have too much time but here goes...something.

 

Couldn't have picked many better spots or weather conditions for an outdoor show than the Piazza Castello (Castle Square) in Ferrara, a smallish city about 30 minutes' train ride north of Bologna. It's not too often that you see a show these days while standing on cobblestones that are probably centuries old. In the shadow of the city's most prominent landmark, which I wish I'd had more time to explore, Wilco started to wind down its first of two European tours this year with a solid show in front of an enthusiastic crowd that, like a lot of European audiences, liked to clap — and was good at it. It seemed like the curfew was midnight, with Wilco going on at right about 10 p.m. and playing until about 11:55.

 

Support act Kurt Vile and The Violators got a solid hour, which is more than most opening bands get, and played an enjoyable set that went over well with the Italians, even if Vile sort of neglected to sing some of his lyrics at times in favor of jamming.

 

Apparently Wilco had played in Ferrara once before, on 31 May 2010 at the Teatro Communale, so there was at least some familiarity. Jeff didn't banter too much with the crowd, but acknowledged that it was good to be back and joked about the castello being "our castle." He later thanked the townsfolk for being so hospitable to the band and crew. "We like you," Jeff said with a smile. Perhaps the only negative during the show, other than a slightly inebriated Italian lady who kept annoying folks around her by talking loudly during quiet songs and the like — I guess that kind of behavior transcends cultures, eh? — was that Jeff swallowed a mosquito just before launching into the final song of the evening, the hootenanny A Shot in the Arm. Poor Jeff. He jokingly asked whether they had the Zika virus there, but did have to cough off mike a couple of times mid-song to clear his throat.

 

No mention of the Fourth of July that I recall, though a few people in the crowd did yell, "Happy Fourth of July!" Bottom line, it's just not really a thing over here...understandably so. :usa

 

Anyway, the setlist won't surprise anyone who's been following the band's shows of late. I know there's been some hemming and hawing among some of the more dedicated followers recently about how things haven't changed up very much lately, but I can say that around me the biggest responses came from songs that most hardcores are probably tired of like I Am Trying To Break Your Heart, I'm The Man Who Loves You and Impossible Germany. So all I'll say about the "setlist issue" is that you have to try to have some perspective and remember that most people only get to see the band play once or twice every few years and Jeff and Co. do seem to be cognizant of what will play to a majority of their audience on any given night. I'm sure when they get back to the U.S. later this summer, in places they've played a lot like Chicago and Minneapolis, they will add some more variety. So check back then, maybe? :thumbup

 

For now, the complete setlist in Ferrara as played (It's Just That Simple was on the printed list in the hootenanny encore, but wasn't played):

 

More...

Random Name Generator

I Am Trying To Break Your Heart>

Art Of Almost

Pickled Ginger

Hummingbird

Handshake Drugs

Cold Slope>

King Of You

Via Chicago>

Spiders (Kidsmoke) (electric arrangement)

Jesus, etc.

Box Full Of Letters

Heavy Metal Drummer>

I'm The Man Who Loves You

Dawned On Me

Impossible Germany

The Late Greats

-------------------------------------

Misunderstood*

War On War*

I'm Always In Love*

California Stars*

A Shot in the Arm*

 

* — performed hootenanny style with band on acoustic instruments

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Safe travels Bbop, and if you can get in front of a TV tonight you can watch Wales v Portugal. I'm sure Wilco will delay starting until it's over.

 

Fortunately, they have an off night tonight (apparently the crew have a 30-hour bus ride from Roma to Belgium). But you must be so proud of Galles — as Gareth and Co. are called here — so I wish you the best. Wouldn't that be something if they got through to the final? Maybe the Portuguese will choke, as they often do... :thumbup

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Was about to edit for that but then got distracted with work :-)

Good times - the rugby world cup semi in 2011 was bigger for me, but as this is footie it's globally more significant. A couple of our better players have to miss the match, but fingers crossed.

 

Bale and the current Welsh rugby captain were in the same school year and the same 5 a side team. The PE teacher made Bale play only with his left foot to make things fairer for the opposition.

 

Refreshing to see a team of footballers who aren't twats.

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